Both Muguna and Kahata played pivotal roles when Gor Mahia shocked Zamalek in 2019. Now, five years later at Kenya Police, can they recreate that magic against the Egyptian giants once again?
When Kenya Police face Zamalek in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League group stage qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, they will be relying on the experience of Kenneth Muguna and Francis Kahata to pull off an upset.
Both players were crucial in helping Gor Mahia secure a historic 4-2 win over Zamalek during the group stages of the 2018/2019 Confederation Cup. That victory was instrumental in helping them reach the quarter-finals of the tournament that year.
Kahata, in particular, shone in that first leg, providing an assist with a well-timed cutback to Jaques Tuyisenge for the equalizer after Gor Mahia had conceded an early goal in the sixth minute. At that time, Kahata was deployed as a left-sided attacker in Hassan Oktay’s 4-4-2 formation, where his creativity and dynamism on the flank were key to the team’s attacking play.
Now, five years later and in the twilight of his career, the former Simba player has transitioned into a more central role, where he operates as an impact playmaker.
Muguna, who has since become the chief playmaker for both club and country, brings a more commanding presence in midfield with his ability to control the tempo and pick out incisive passes. Although Muguna didn’t feature in the first leg of that memorable 2019 clash, he did play in the second leg in Cairo, where Gor Mahia suffered a 4-0 defeat. Despite the loss, the experience Muguna gained against such formidable opposition could be invaluable when facing Zamalek again, this time wearing the red and white of Kenya Police.
Five years ago, Kenya Police were competing in the second division, having been relegated the previous year. However, since earning promotion back to the top flight in 2021, they have transformed into a much stronger and more competitive team. They have made a concerted effort to recruit experienced internationals, which has been key to their rise in the league standings.
In the now-canceled 2021/2022 season, Police finished ninth, but they followed that with an impressive third-place finish in the 2022/2023 season under coach Francis Baraza. Although their 2023/2024 campaign started off rocky, leading to the departures of Baraza and Croatian coach Zdravko Logarušić, the team has since stabilized. Under Salim Babu, who is now the assistant coach due to licensing issues, they have found consistency and added firepower during the offseason by signing more seasoned international players.
Among the notable signings is Jesse Jackson Were, ZESCO United’s all-time leading scorer, who helped the Zambian club reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2016. Were has vast experience in continental competitions, having played 47 matches, scoring 12 goals, and providing 12 assists. His experience will be crucial, especially since Kenya Police lost Tito Okello, another player who was part of the 2019 Gor Mahia squad. Head coach Anthony Kimani has emphasized the importance of Were’s presence in the team.
Were has also faced Zamalek twice before, in January 2020, when his team lost 2-0 away but secured a 1-1 draw at home. His experience at this level will be vital for Kenya Police.
“Jesse brings a wealth of experience from competing at the highest levels, and he knows what it takes to succeed in these competitions. His presence is a huge boost for the team,” said Kimani.
Will Kenya Police be able to capitalize on this advantage and upset the Egyptian giants? Only time will tell.
